HELENA, Mont. (AP) — An appeals court has delayed the release of a misconduct investigation into former U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull.

Cebull retired May 3, after the Judicial Council of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals completed its investigation into a racist email forwarded by Cebull last year involving President Barack Obama.

The council issued a final order on July 2, but kept it under seal for a 63-day review period.

The Great Falls Tribune reports (http://gftrib.com/19jB3mG ) the deadline was Wednesday, but the matter remains confidential.

The 9th Circuit directed questions to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Spokesman David Sellers would not comment.

University of Pittsburgh Professor Arthur Hellman says that is an indication someone may have filed a petition that is now being considered by the agency’s conduct committee.